Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker AdaptationThe Rise of Skywalker’sending has just been improved in some fascinating ways. Thanks to a brand-new adaptation of the final Skywalker saga film,Episode IXhas been further fleshed out with new elements that weren’t shown in the original movie. Not only does this include missingStar Warsscenes and moments that were inexplicably cut, but also includes improved visuals on the page compared to what was depicted on screen.
Having been delayed by the global pandemic, Marvel Comics’Star Wars: TheRise of Skywalker Adaptationhas finally been released. Now, the fifth and final issue was recently published by Jody Houser and Will Sliney, showcasing the final act of one of the most divisiveStar Warsmovies of all time.Keeping that in mind, here is every wayThe Rise of Skywalker’sending has just been improved.
8Lando’s Transmission
How Calrissian Assembled The Galaxy
TheRise of Skywalker Adaptation #5gives Lando Calrissian a much-deserved spotlight with a key scene he should have had in the movie. Sending a transmission galaxy-wide to anyone who will listen, Calrissian’s call for support is finally heard, requesting all the help he can get to follow him and aid the Resistance against the resurrected Emperor Palpatine’s Final Order. Likewise, a large part of his appeal has to do with the death of Leia Organa.
Confirming General Organa’s death, Lando encourages those willing to take up her fight, to be the spark of rebellion that can bring down the forces of darkness. However, Lando also tells anyone listening that Leia wouldn’t want them to fight for her, but for themselves. To that end, Calrissian’s speech is quite impressive, better explaining howLando managed to amass 14,000 ships duringThe Rise of Skywalker’sfinal battle, especially after the Resistance’s previous calls for aid went unanswered inThe Last Jedi.
7Finn’s Force-Sensitivity
Confirming What The Movie Left Ambiguous
Finn’s Force-sensitivity was teased with something he wanted to tell Rey that “he’d never told her before”. However, this was ultimately never followed up by the movie’s end, much to the frustration of manyStar Warsfans (and Finn actor John Boyega himself).However,Star Warshas since confirmed Finn’s Force-sensitivity with an extended scene inStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation #3, giving Finn some additional lines about his suspicions while talking with Jannah. As such, this better supports Finn successfully pinpointing the right Star Destroyer during the Battle of Exegol, based only on a “feeling”.
6Actually Seeing Episode IX’s Jedi Force Ghosts
Not Just Voices
Reaching out to the Force and asking past generations to be with her, Rey calls upon their strength before standing back up and defeating Palpatine once and for all. As such, the movie featured several voices of these past Jedi, including Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, Ayala Secura, Ahsoka Tano, Kanan Jarrus, and more. Telling the resurrected Palpatine that she’s “All the Jedi”, many fans felt the movie should have gone even further byactually showing these fallen Jedi on Exegol as Force ghosts, thereby making the final Skywalker saga movie feel more like a culminating chapter.Thankfully, Marvel’sRise of SkywalkerAdaptationdoes just that by showing all of these Jedi alongside Rey.
5Even More “All The Jedi”
The Roster’s Even More Impressive
Additionally,The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation #5features far more Jedi than there were voices in the movie, telling Rey to “rise”. Beyond those whose voices were heard in the film, even more Jedi Knights are present alongside Rey, including Plo Koon, Kit Fisto, and Ki-Adi-Mundi. There are even silhouettes of Jedi in the background, though their lightsabers help identify them as the High Republic Era’s Stellan Gios and Avar Kriss.
4Rey and Ben Solo vs The Knights of Ren
Before facing Palpatine and Rey rose as “All the Jedi”, she and Ben Solo took on the Knights of Ren in the service of the resurrected Emperor.Compared to the movie, the newStar Warsdoes an improved job of depicting the duo’s rare connection as a dyad in the Force. Not only do readers get to see them telepathically communicate, but also how their movements were so in synch and mirrored, just ahead ofPalpatine’s recognition of their unique status as a Force dyad, one that could strengthen him by draining their essences.
3Ben Solo’s Redemption & Sacrifice
Experiencing All of Ben’s Memories
One of the more divisive moments inThe Rise of Skywalkeris when Ben sacrifices himself to revive Rey, leading to a kiss between the two before he dies and becomes one with the Force.Interestingly,The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation #5sees Rey getting to experience the full scope of Ben Solo’s life as a Jedi. Not only does she receive the memories of Ben’s birth to Han Solo and Leia Organa, but also his training underLuke with his Jedi academy on Ossus.
Having only known Ben when he was Kylo Ren, Rey getting to see the man he once was and the full life he’d lived certainly enhances the moment (even if the kiss itself is still controversial). Likewise, this moment arguably speaks to their bond as a dyad in the Force, with Rey now carrying Ben’s memory and spirit within herself.Furthermore, it’s also interesting to see Ben’s internal thoughts and final words to Rey, which weren’t heard or known in the original film version ofThe Rise of Skywalker.
2A Final Scene for Luke and Leia
Watching Over The Resistance Celebrations
In the aftermath of the Battle of Exegol,The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation #5does feature an additional moment during the Resistance’s celebrations back on Ajan Kloss.As Rey, Finn, and Poe embrace following the victory over Palpatine and his Final Order, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa are featured watching over the Resistance as Force Ghosts. When Leia remarks that they pulled it off, Luke calls back to Yoda’s line fromThe Last Jedi, remarking that he and Leia are those whom the heroes of the Resistance “grow beyond” and never doubted them.
It’s certainly a nice moment at the end ofThe Rise of Skywalker,one that certainly could have been nice to see in the actual movie. Likewise, it’s also fun that it’s meant to echo the original trilogy’sReturn of the Jedi. After all, Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Anakin’s Force ghosts were shown similarly watching over the Rebellion’s victory celebrations after the Battle of Endor.
1More Context For Rey Taking The Skywalker Name
Defying Palpatine’s Words
The Rise of Skywalker’sfinal scene is also improved, whenRey ignites her new yellow-bladed lightsaberon Tatooine and tells the inquiring woman her newly chosen name as Rey Skywalker. Not only does she look over to see Luke and Leia’s Force ghosts with their implied approval, but the new comic also shows her recalling Emperor Palpatine’s words on Exegol: “So falls the last Skywalker…".The implication made in this newStar Warsissue is that part of Rey choosing the Skywalker name is not just an embrace of the Skywalker legacy, but also a final act of defiance of Palpatine himself.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation #5is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
